Something truly special is in store for the UFC’s return to Austin next month. In what promises to be one of the most memorable fight night cards ever, UFC Austin is looking like a banger card. For this one, we’re focussing on the featured prelim, Miesha Tate vs Julia Avila.
Previously, it was announced that Beneil Dariush would take on Arman Tsarukyan as the headliner. However, fans were left gobsmacked when they saw how stacked the card truly was. Moreover, UFC Austin is bringing us a card that is filled with top fights, right down to the preliminary card.
Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila targeted for Dec. 2 UFC event
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For the most part, fight fans may have been wowed by the epic main card in store for them. At the same time, a look down at the prelims will also show some very underrated fights as well. As such, Miesha Tate vs Julia Avila has all the markings of one of such underrated fights.
Whilst many may feel that Miesha’s powers are waning with age, she is still, more than capable of producing a moment of magic out of nowhere. As for her opponent, Tate will have her hands full with the feisty Julia Avila. Having secured a submission win against Julija Stoliarenko in 2021, Avila is making her return after a substantial layoff.
Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila stats
Stats | Miesha Tate | Julia Avila |
---|---|---|
Wins | 20 | 9 |
Losses | 9 | 2 |
Height | 5 ft 6 in | 5 ft 7 in |
Division | Women’s Banatamweight | Women’s Banatamweight |
Reach | 64 in | 68 in |
Age | 37 | 35 |
UFC Austin: Miesha Tate vs Julia Avila prediction
Naturally, the ‘Raging Panda’ is the more favorable pick for many fight fans and experts here. Despite being out of action since June 2021, many feel that Avila has all the tools to take care of Tate. Following her win against Stoliarenko, Julia suffered an ACL-Meniscus tear in her knee in December. Moreover, this was also the time that she and her husband decided to grow their family.
As such, the majority of her 2022 revolved around her maternity duties and rehabbing her knee. With that said, Avila initially wanted to get back in action earlier in the year. However, at the time she wasn’t 100% yet and had thus, decided to push back her return. Now, she is more than ready to pick up where she left off and is honored to be fighting a former champion like Tate.
Unfortunately for ‘Cupcake’ it has been a rather difficult time after her loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200. Since then, Tate has gone 1-3 in her last 4, with her last win coming against Marion Reneau in 2021. Whilst her last two fights have been decision losses to Ketlen Viera and Lauren Murphy respectively, there is a feeling that Miesha’s time as a fighter is coming to an end.
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As for the fight itself, Avila possesses a height and a 4-inch reach advantage, which will be a big task for Tate. Relying on her BJJ prowess a lot of times, Tate also has the lighter hands out of the two. Here, Tate’s experience will be key in trying to survive and trying to make a play in the latter rounds. All things considered, Miesha will do her best not to go down too easily.